NEW DELHI The Supreme Court has said the Centre, along with the judiciary, must devise a plan to complete trials in NIA cases within six months to prevent “hue and cry” over prolonged bail denial. A bench of CJI-designate Surya Kant and Justices Ujjal Bhuyan and N K Singh said on Tuesday, “We want a system committed for expeditious completion of trials, preferably in six months, so that a hue and cry over non-grant of bail (for long periods to accused) is not raised, especially in cases involving crimes against nation and public at large.” Dedicated NIA courts must be set up with proper infra: SC For this, dedicated NIA courts must be established with proper infrastructure, including wi-fi services, to enable appearance of accused through virtual mode and prevent unnecessary adjournments, Justice Kant said after additional solicitor general Aishwarya Bhati handed over a status report framed by ministry of home affairs on setting up of exclusive NIA courts. After studying the status report, the bench commended the initiative but said the process must be expedited. It told Bhati that a firm decision on the proposed plan of action must be taken on or before Dec 16, the next date of hearing.Justice Kant also told Delhi HC not to saddle the exclusive NIA courts with regular cases. The HC informed the SC that there are 50 NIA cases pending in Delhi, two in Karkardooma courts and 48 at Patiala House courts. Additional solicitor general S D Sanjay told the court that the govt is planning to set up 10-12 exclusive courts but finding space for them immediately has been difficult. The bench said the authorities must explore govt buildings for temporary accommodation of the courts till a permanent building is constructed for them.
